Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

Contact Us: 610-375-4949

Blog

3 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Doctor for Elbow Pain

by Leave a Comment

Elbow soreness, stiffness and reduced range of motion can drastically impact a patient in their daily life. If you are experiencing lingering elbow discomfort, it may be time to visit an orthopedic specialist. When conducting a search for an elbow pain doctor near me, there are numerous important qualities to look for. In this article, you’ll find a list of questions to ask to help you locate a highly knowledgeable and compassionate orthopedic expert.

Finding An Elbow Pain Doctor Near Me: 3 Questions to Ask 

  • Are you board certified? – Having board certification means that a doctor has passed a specialty-specific exam. In turn, it affirms that they possess the proper training and knowledge needed to skillfully treat their patients. Dr. Stephen Soffer is proud to maintain certification from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
  • What other credentials do you have? – Years of experience, positive patient testimonials and continuing work in their field are all indicators of a dedicated, qualified elbow doctor. Along with Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Soffer co-authored the first elbow arthroscopy textbook published in the U.S. Visit our website to learn more about his many achievements in orthopedics.
  • Does your practice offer a full range of treatment options? – Conditions and injuries affecting the elbow can vary greatly in severity and may require a range of treatments. Thus, visiting an orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Soffer is a wise choice. This way, you will already be under the care of the right expert should surgical treatment be required to resolve your elbow symptoms.

When seeking the most credentialed elbow pain doctor near me, asking these questions will help you decide on the best provider for your care.

Dr. Soffer Delivers World-Class Elbow Care with a Local Feel

Recognized as a top orthopedic surgeon in PA and nationwide, Dr. Soffer takes a patient-centered approach to treating elbow conditions of all types. Drawing on his abundant experience & cutting-edge technologies, he can provide a precise diagnosis and guide you to the best course of treatment under your unique circumstances.

With both nonsurgical & surgical elbow treatments available, Dr. Soffer & the rest of our staff are here to help you get lasting elbow pain relief so you can resume your normal life. To set up an appointment, call our office at 610-375-4949.

What Is Involved in ACL Sprain Treatment?

by Leave a Comment

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) plays a key role in supporting the knee and maintaining the joint’s stability as it bends and pivots. When this ligament is sprained or torn, it may result in discomfort, swelling and knee instability. Ultimately, the right course of treatment for an ACL injury will depend on its severity/grade and the patient’s particular symptoms. This article will offer an overview of ACL sprain treatment methods which may be prescribed to help a patient recover from a minor or moderate ACL injury.

What Is Involved in ACL Sprain Treatment?

To create an individualized, effective ACL injury treatment plan, an orthopedic physician will start by using diagnostic equipment to determine the grade of the injury. Depending on the amount of tearing present, an ACL injury may be classified as:

  • Grade 1, meaning the ACL remains intact and has only microscopic tearing
  • Grade 2, indicating a moderate ligament tear with the ACL still intact
  • Grade 3, in which case the ACL is totally ruptured or torn and is no longer fully intact

Typically, a Grade 1 or 2 ACL injury is considered a sprain and will be treated as such. ACL sprain treatment plans commonly include:

  • Following the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation) protocol
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications to help with pain and swelling
  • Performing routine physical therapy exercises designed to restore previous strength, range of motion and functionality to the affected knee joint
  • Wearing an ACL brace

A combination of the above strategies will often promote full knee rehabilitation without the need for surgical intervention. However, an unstable ACL sprain or a grade 3 injury may necessitate ACL reconstruction surgery. A qualified orthopedic surgeon such as Dr. Stephen Soffer can help you decide on your best course of action to heal from a knee injury, given your individual circumstances

Visit Dr. Soffer’s Office for Cutting-Edge Knee Care in Reading, PA

If you are experiencing knee pain, swelling and trouble walking, it’s possible you have sustained an ACL sprain or tear. To speed your ACL injury recovery and prevent long-term issues, seeking professional diagnosis & care in a prompt manner is instrumental.

If you are located in the Reading, PA area, you can rely on Dr. Stephen Soffer to provide compassionate, skilled orthopedic care. As part of his extensive training, Dr. Soffer completed a fellowship in sports medicine with world-renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

At his office, Dr. Soffer offers a full range of advanced surgical & nonsurgical treatments for knee injuries & conditions of all sorts. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Soffer, call our 24-hour sports injury hotline at 610-375-4949.

Who Is a Candidate for Knee Replacement Surgery?

by Leave a Comment

Knee pain stemming from arthritis or another condition can significantly impact one’s quality of life. If you are living with persistent knee discomfort that interferes with your daily activities, you may be wondering: Who is a candidate for knee replacement surgery? In this article, we will outline factors that orthopedic surgeons take into consideration when determining whether knee replacement is the right course of treatment for a particular patient.

Who Is a Candidate for Knee Replacement Surgery?

When assessing who is a candidate for knee replacement, orthopedic surgeons look at a number of different individual factors. The patient’s level of pain and disability are considered, along with their overall health condition, age and activity level. A few common reasons why a physician may recommend knee replacement surgery include:

  • Severe knee pain or stiffness has not improved with conservative treatment and continues to significantly limit the patient’s mobility and ability to perform daily tasks
  • Swelling and inflammation in the patient’s knee have not been adequately resolved by medications, physical therapy and/or taking time off from activities
  • The patient experiences chronic knee pain even while resting
  • A knee deformity, such as a bowed knee, is present

The majority of patients who undergo knee replacement surgery experience a dramatic decrease in their knee symptoms and, in turn, considerable improvement in their mobility and ability to lead a normal life. While knee replacement surgery is most commonly performed on individuals over the age of 50, patients of any age may be a candidate for this procedure, if their symptoms warrant it.

Dr. Stephen Soffer Provides World-Class Surgical & Nonsurgical Knee Care

Hopefully, this article has offered helpful information on whether knee replacement surgery may be beneficial for you. If you are located in or near Reading, PA, you can depend on Dr. Stephen Soffer to suggest a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs & to provide cutting-edge orthopedic care.

Dr. Soffer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with years of experience who completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine with world renowned Sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Dr. Soffer will use state-of-the-art diagnostic methods to evaluate your knee condition. Furthermore, he will carefully take your personal situation into account to help you decide whether knee replacement is appropriate for you at this time, or if another treatment is a better option. To schedule an appointment to address your lingering knee symptoms with Dr. Soffer, call our office today at 610-375-4949.

Restrictions After Meniscus Surgery: What to Expect

by Leave a Comment

The menisci are cartilaginous discs found in both of your knees, where the thigh and shin bones meet. By absorbing shock and cushioning the knee, the menisci help to support and stabilize the joint. When a meniscus tear occurs, it can result in drastically reduced knee function, with common symptoms including pain and swelling, knee instability and trouble bending/straightening the affected leg. If surgical intervention is recommended to treat a torn meniscus, it is important that the patient learn about restrictions after meniscus surgery which may apply to them. This article will explore possible limitations which one might have while recovering from meniscus surgery.

Restrictions After Meniscus Surgery: What to Expect

In some cases, a meniscus tear may be successfully treated using conservative treatments. In particular, smaller tears and those located on the outer edge of the meniscus are more likely to respond to first-line therapies such as resting, icing and taking medication to relieve pain & swelling.

If a meniscus tear does not improve with conservative treatment, the patient may be advised to consider surgery. Here are some general guidelines on meniscus surgery rehabilitation:

  • The length of your recovery and your particular restrictions after meniscus surgery will largely depend on the type of surgery required to heal your knee. If your meniscus tear can be treated with a partial/total meniscectomy (in which part or all of your meniscus is removed), you can expect a shorter recovery time.
  • After a meniscectomy, most patients are able to begin bearing weight/walking within a week after surgery. At-home physical therapy exercises are typically recommended, and most patients are approved to resume their normal activities within 4-6 weeks.
  • If meniscus repair is necessary, recovery is likely to be longer and more involved. Following this type of meniscus surgery, a knee brace is generally used to stabilize the knee. Typically, keeping weight off the operated knee is a key goal in the weeks following meniscus repair. Thus, you will likely be instructed to use crutches for at least a month after this procedure.
  • Physical therapy is another important part of recovery following surgical meniscus repair. Your orthopedic surgeon will provide a timeline for when you should begin physical therapy, which will help to restore range of motion and strengthen your knee.

This outline provides a look at what the meniscus surgery recovery process typically entails. However, it is important to keep in mind that every patient is different. Your recovery time may vary depending on individual factors, including your age and the severity of your knee injury.

Trust Dr. Soffer for Expert, Patient-Focused Knee Care

Do you suspect that you may have sustained a meniscus tear? Seeking professional treatment promptly is vital to speed your recovery. For those located in and around Reading, PA, Dr. Stephen Soffer provides advanced orthopedic care with an emphasis on using the least invasive treatment methods  possible.

Among his achievements, Dr. Soffer completed a fellowship in sports medicine with world-renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews. His extensive training and compassionate approach make him qualified to provide the very best surgical and nonsurgical knee care. To schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options with Dr. Soffer, call our office at 610-375-4949.

How Your Orthopedic Specialist Makes a Sprained Ankle Diagnosis

by Leave a Comment

sprained ankle diagnosis

In your ankle, there are numerous ligaments which serve to help keep the ankle/foot bones in place and provide stability to the joint. When one or more of these ligaments is stretched excessively, it can cause them to tear – thus leading to a sprained ankle. Ranging from mild to severe, depending on the amount of damage done to the ligaments, ankle sprains are among the most common orthopedic injuries. This article will explore the steps used by an orthopedic specialist to make a sprained ankle diagnosis.

How Your Orthopedic Specialist Makes a Sprained Ankle Diagnosis

In many cases, ankle sprains can be resolved over the course of a few weeks using at-home treatment methods such as resting and applying ice. However, more severe sprains may require professional treatment in order to ensure proper healing and avoid long-term issues. Failure to seek prompt treatment for a more severe sprain may lead to lasting ankle instability, bone damage, chronic pain or even arthritis later on. Further, the ankle may be weakened, thus making it more susceptible to reinjury.

If your ankle becomes extremely swollen, painful and unable to bear weight, it is advisable to see an orthopedic specialist right away. These symptoms may indicate a more severe sprain or an ankle fracture. To diagnose your injury and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment, your orthopedic doctor will perform a thorough physical examination of your ankle and foot. This exam will likely include:

  • Pressing on various parts of the ankle to determine which ligaments are involved in the injury
  • Moving the ankle in different directions to evaluate range of motion

To make a definitive sprained ankle diagnosis and determine the extent of ligament damage, your orthopedic physician may also order imaging tests such as an X-ray, ultrasound or MRI scan. These imaging technologies will help your doctor pinpoint the type, location and severity of the foot/ankle injury you have sustained.

Rely On Dr. Soffer for World-Class Ankle Care in Berks County, PA

If you are experiencing sprained ankle symptoms such as swelling, bruising, tenderness and/or ankle instability, Dr. Stephen Soffer can help you find the right treatment method to resolve your injury. Proud to provide expert care to patients of all ages, Dr. Soffer is an experienced orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine physician. He completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine with world renowned Sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews, and he offers a full range of conservative treatments for orthopedic injuries, as well as cutting-edge surgical options.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer, please call our office at 610-375-4949. We look forward to helping you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Shoulder Surgery Recovery Timeline: What to Expect After Rotator Cuff Surgery and More

by Leave a Comment

Marked by symptoms such as pain, decreased range of motion and weakness in the shoulder joint, rotator cuff tears can be highly uncomfortable and disruptive to a patient’s daily activities. Anti-inflammatory medications & physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms in many cases. But, in the event that conservative methods fail to provide full relief, rotator cuff surgery may be recommended as the next step in treatment. This article will provide an overview of the shoulder surgery recovery timeline patients can generally expect after undergoing surgical rotator cuff repair.

Shoulder Surgery Recovery Timeline: What to Expect After Rotator Cuff Surgery and More

If you have had limited success with first-line rotator cuff tear treatments and are now considering surgery, it’s important to become familiar with what the procedure & post-operative recovery typically entail. While every patient’s recovery timeline will be slightly different, here are some guidelines on what you can reasonably anticipate:

  • Prior to the day of surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will provide instructions on how to prepare. Generally, surgical rotator cuff repair is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The surgery may take 1-1.5 hours, depending on how severe the tear is and how much repair work is required. When complete, a sling will be placed on your operated arm, and you will be moved to a postoperative recovery room. Typically, an overnight stay is not required.
  • In the days following rotator cuff surgery, you can expect to experience some pain & swelling in your shoulder. Elevating the arm, taking prescribed pain relievers and intermittently icing your shoulder will help keep you comfortable.
  • For the first 4-6 weeks after surgery, you will be instructed to limit the use of your operated arm to prevent inflammation & scar tissue buildup. Around this time, your surgeon will likely clear you to remove your sling. Starting physical therapy at this point is also crucial to help rebuild your shoulder strength, increase your range of motion and minimize the chance of reinjury.
  • Approximately 4-6 months after rotator cuff repair, you can expect to complete the rehabilitation process. Your exact shoulder surgery recovery timeline will depend on a combination of factors, including the severity of your rotator cuff injury and the speed at which your body naturally heals.

Create a Personalized Rotator Cuff Treatment Plan with Dr. Soffer 

Rotator cuff tears can result from acute injury, or due to degeneration of the tendon over time. In either case, it is important to seek professional care early on to prevent worsening symptoms and speed your recovery.

Proud to provide patients in the Reading, PA area with cutting-edge orthopedic care, Dr. Stephen Soffer specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. He was the first surgeon to do arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs in Berks County, and he teaches courses to other surgeons on how to do this surgery. He also provides the full range of nonsurgical treatments for rotator cuff injuries & other orthopedic issues. If you are eager to get relief from your shoulder discomfort, call our office at 610-375-4949 today to schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment with Dr. Soffer.

Schedule An Appointment With Us ›